The Prince sat down and stroked the side of his face thoughtfully.
“The great elephant!” he muttered. “Fancy such a creature calling himself a diplomatist! It is well, Felix,” he added, “that I had finished my dinner, otherwise you would certainly have spoilt it. If they have met like this, there is no end to the possibilities of it. I must see Sabin immediately. It ought to be easy to make him understand that I am not to be trifled with. Find out where he is to-night, Felix; I must follow him.”
Felix took up his hat.
“I will be back,” he said, “in half an hour.”
The Prince returned to his guests, and Felix drove off. When he returned his chief was waiting for him alone.
“Mr. Sabin,” Felix announced, “left town half an hour ago.”
“For abroad!” the Prince exclaimed, with flashing eyes. “He has gone to Germany!”
Felix shook his head.
“On the contrary,” he said; “he has gone down into Norfolk to play golf.”
“Into Norfolk to play golf!” the Prince repeated in a tone of scornful wonder. “Did you believe a story like that, Felix? Rubbish!”